Raptors: Grading offseason newcomers after first handful of games
By Mike Luciano
Precious Achiuwa
Achiuwa has proven to be one of the most inconsistent players in the entire game this season, and that is not in the least bit hyperbolic. Achiuwa averaged a double-double in the first four games of the season. His leaping ability and skill at rocking the rim with dunks paired with an improving jumper looked set to blossom under Nick Nurse.
However, Achiuwa’s flaws and concerns have really materialized of late. He’s still a poor finisher inside, as evidenced by his 39% field goal percentage, and he’s been prone to some bizarre lapses in concentration. In transition, he’ll miss wide-open players in order to charge ahead like a runaway train and throw up a weird running floater.
Precious Achiuwa has been very inconsistent for the Toronto Raptors.
Achiuwa, who was thoroughly outplayed by Khem Birch against the Pacers, needs to slow down and take a chill pill. The Raptors have a system that can help them win without Achiuwa having to go for 20 and 10 every night, and if he can internalize that, he should be able to put these struggles behind him.
The former first-rounder is still just 22 years old, and it’s clear that he’s much improved from where he was in Miami. However, his issues as a player can be back-breaking if not checked properly. The Raptors need to make sure he corrects those flaws and gets back to being the versatile rim-runner we know he can be.
Grade: C+